Neuro-Athletic Training Effects in Young Adults

Summary

This study aims to examine the acute effects of a single session of neuro-athletic training (NAT) on key physical fitness parameters in young adults. Neuro-athletic training is a contemporary approach that integrates neuroscience principles with athletic conditioning, focusing not only on muscular strength but also on optimizing the interaction between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. By targeting visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive mechanisms, NAT seeks to enhance motor output, coordination, movement efficiency, and decision-making processes.

Although NAT has gained increasing attention in sports performance programs, most existing research has focused on long-term training adaptations in elite athletes. Evidence regarding its immediate effects-especially in healthy university-aged individuals-is still limited. Preliminary findings suggest that exercises incorporating cognitive load and sensory integration may improve various aspects of performance; however, the short-term influence of NAT on balance, flexibility, reaction time, and power has not been fully clarified.

In this context, the present controlled experimental study compares the effects of a single NAT session with those of a traditional warm-up routine. The study evaluates acute changes in balance, flexibility, vertical power, and reaction time to determine whether NAT can produce immediate performance benefits. The findings are expected to contribute to a clearer understanding of how neuro-athletic principles can be integrated into preparatory exercise routines to enhance both neuromuscular and cognitive-motor performance in young adults.

Conditions

• Health Young Individuals
• Physical Fitness

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Experimental: Neuro-athletic training programme (Stretching, Balance Training, Vertical Jump and Eye Exercise)

Neuro-athletic training programme (Stretching, Balance Training, Vertical Jump and Eye Exercise) This group group will perform all exercises included in the control group, with the addition of eye exercises. In addition to the control group protocol, participants in this group will complete various video-based eye exercises, including smooth pursuit, saccadic movements, and anti-saccade tasks. Furthermore, the Brock string exercise will be administered to train depth perception. All exercises in the program are implemented as part of a warm-up routine to help prevent injuries and pose no health risks for healthy individuals. If symptoms such as dizziness or visual fatigue occur during the eye exercises, the session will be terminated. All exercises will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure correct execution and safety. The warm-up duration will be kept equal for both groups.

BEHAVIORAL

Active Comparator: Stretching, Balance Training and Vertical Jump Exercise Program (without eye exercises) Control group

Stretching, Balance Training and Vertical Jump Exercise Program (without eye exercises) This group (control) group will perform only stretching exercises, balance training, and vertical jump exercises. Stretching exercises will consist of static stretches targeting the hip flexors, hamstrings, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius muscle groups, with each position held for 20-30 seconds for two repetitions. Balance training will be performed on a Both Sides Utilized ball and balance board in a single-leg stance, with three trials for each leg; each trial will last 15 seconds, with 30 seconds of rest between trials. All exercises are incorporated into a warm-up program to help prevent injuries and pose no health risks for healthy individuals. All exercises will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure correct execution and control. No eye exercises will be administered to the control group. The warm-up duration will be kept equal for both groups.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istinye University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

35 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-01-01

Primary Completion

2026-02-20

Completion

2026-03-10

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations